LAS VEGAS , Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for U.S. Global Engagement and its state partners, the Nevada Committee on Foreign Relations and World Market Center, joined more than 400 Nevada business, civic, political, academic and faith leaders today in the countdown to the Nevada caucuses to launch Impact '08 in Nevada: Building a Better, Safer World, a campaign urging the Presidential candidates to elevate and strengthen America's non-military tools for global engagement.

This bipartisan group of Nevada leaders joins a growing campaign of leaders in other early voting states and nationally who are calling on the Presidential candidates to chart a new path for America's role in the world, with greater investments in global development, health and diplomacy to promote America's national security, economic prosperity, and moral leadership.

The impressive and unusually diverse group of Nevada leaders launching the Impact '08 in Nevada campaign include: Governor Jim Gibbons ; Lt. Governor Brian K. Krolicki; U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid ; U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley ; Dina Titus , Minority Leader of the Nevada State Senate; former Governor and U.S. Senator Richard Bryan ; William P. Weidner, President and COO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation; Milton D. Glick, President of the University of Nevada, Reno; Dr. Carol Harter , President Emerita of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas ; Dr. Yvonne Stedman , President of the Nevada World Trade Council; Hon. Ruben Kihuen, Nevada State Assembly Member; and Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn.

"With our nation's security and our economy at stake, the next President must not only strengthen our military capabilities, but also our non-military capacity to address global political, economic, and humanitarian challenges," said Governor Ridge.

"Investing in a more secure, prosperous world through foreign assistance means a better, safer Nevada," said Senator Bryan , who served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Lt. Governor Krolicki said, "The United States should not sit back and tolerate suffering anywhere in the world, just as we should not tolerate it here at home. As part of a global society, Nevadans believe America can and should play a leadership role in helping promote economic development and advancement. Assisting developing countries in ways that focus on improving humankind, economics and security will positively impact future generations in impoverished countries that need our help."

"Nevada depends on international tourism. Utilizing development to project a positive image of America to the world is important to us remaining the world's 'favorite playground,'" said Las Vegas Sands President and COO Weidner.

"Nevadans care about helping the world's poorest citizens. By greater investment in foreign assistance, we can save lives and reinvigorate our moral leadership in the world," said Nevada Senate Minority Leader Titus.

"Foreign assistance and trade promotion programs help Americans by growing the world's economy, creating jobs for Americans, and also helping coffee farmers in poor regions of the world attain fair prices to improve the quality of their lives," said Taylor, who as Starbucks' Senior Vice President oversees the company's global partnerships in corporate social responsibility.

The Center for U.S. Global Engagement unites business, civic, political, military and faith leaders in Nevada and around the country in support of greater investments in development and diplomacy to strengthen America's role in the world. Clinton Secretary of State Madeleine Albright , Reagan Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci are co-chairing the national Impact '08 effort, with support from more than 30 former Cabinet officials, Congressional leaders and other foreign policy and national security experts. The Center is tracking statements and positions by the presidential candidates on various foreign policy topics. To view quotes by candidates, and for more information on the Center, the Impact '08 campaign and its supporters, go to www.usglobalengagement.org.

The Nevada Committee on Foreign Relations was established in 2001 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public dialogue on foreign relations. See www.ncfr.us/

World Market Center in Las Vegas is set to be the largest and most comprehensive home and hospitality furnishings complex in the world. See www.lasvegasmarket.com